Álvaro Barreal returns to FC Cincinnati as club faces tough $4M transfer decision | OneFootball

FC Cincinnati is bringing back a familiar face. Argentine forward Álvaro Barreal, who spent the last season on loan at Cruzeiro, returns to the MLS club after the end of the deal. With his contract extended to December 2026, Barreal returns to Cincinnati at a crucial time for his career, marked by doubts and possibilities.

When Álvaro Barreal was announced by Cruzeiro in early 2024, there was high expectation about what the Argentine could add to the team. The player's versatility called for attention in the first few months. With technical ability and good game reading, he contributed in important matches, offering support for the midfield and giving freedom for other players to shine.

However, the numbers were not enough to justify his permanence. In 42 matches, Barreal scored only 2 goals and gave 4 assists, contributing little to Cruzeiro's offensive actions. The main issue, however, was his recurring injuries.

In the second half of the season, the forward had to deal with a sports hernia and ankle pain, which limited his performances and kept him away from some important games. These physical issues, added to the low protagonism, were the deciding factors for Cruzeiro not to exercise the buying option.

Barreal returned to FC Cincinnati with more questions than answers, but still with potential to be a useful piece in the American squad.

FC Cincinnati and the challenge of repositioning Barreal

FC Cincinnati, the current owner of Barreal's rights, seems to have clear plans regarding the player. Recently, the club announced the extension of the forward's contract until December 2026, a move that gives the team more security for future negotiations.

The challenge now is to find the best destination for the Argentine. While Vitória, a traditional club from Northeast Brazil, showed interest in signing him on loan according to information from Territorio MLS, FC Cincinnati made it clear they prefer a permanent deal. This asking price is in the region of $4 million, an amount which shows how much this asset is valued by the club and the same sum which Cruzeiro would have paid out when exercising the purchase option.

Vitória’s interest is understandable. With the 2025 season featuring five major competitions, the Salvador-based club is being aggressive in the market and sees Barreal as a great market opportunity. Still, the possibility of a deal depends on financial conditions, and Cincinnati’s preference for a sale makes negotiations more complicated.

Barreal’s potential in the MLS context

Even with an inconstant season in Brazil, Barreal has already demonstrated quality in the MLS. His technical ability, added to tactical versatility, can make him an important differential in FC Cincinnati.

If put to good use, he can be an attacking option, dynamic in space on the left or even in more interior positions. Of course, the challenge is how to recover his confidence and rhythm of play.

Further to that, FC Cincinnati should look at the market as a real possibility. $4 million seems steep, but clubs like Vitória in Brazil or from other South American countries could look at him and the potential for return on investment, especially if Barreal finds his physical and technical form that made him stand out earlier in his career.